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Ask the Memphian: What exactly is a grand jury, and how do they work?

By , Daily Memphian Updated: June 22, 2026 4:00 AM CT | Published: June 22, 2026 4:00 AM CT

A panel of 16 to 23 West Tennesseans was convened recently to meet in secret.

They gathered in a secure room as federal prosecutors laid out case after case for a body that is often empaneled for at least 18 months.


Tami Sawyer indicted, faces federal corruption charges


One of the cases the group heard involved Tami Sawyer, who was still employed as the general sessions court clerk at the time.

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Tami Sawyer Shelby County Grand Jury federal grand jury public corruption Subscriber Only

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Jody Callahan

Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.


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